It was a young ensign who stood forward to answer him.
"One of Lord Middleton's officers hath done a man to death not half an hour agone; he is an Irishman Captain Hogan by name." "Hogan--Hogan ?" repeated Crispin, after the manner of one who fumbles in his memory.

"Ah, yes--an Irishman with a grey head and a hot temper.

And he is dead, you say ?" "Nay, he has done the killing." "That I can better understand.

'Tis not the first time, I'll be sworn." "But it will be the last, Sir Crispin." "Like enough.

The King is severe since we crossed the Border." Then in a brisker tone: "I thank you for bringing me this news," said he, "and I regret that in my poor house there be naught I can offer you wherein to drink His Majesty's health ere you proceed upon your search.